Egg Recall Highlights Need for Better Pathogen Testing Solutions

EMSL Analytical provides advanced food pathogen testing services to test for Salmonella and other food pathogens as part of a HACCP program to help ensure public safety.

Cinnaminson, NJ

In July of 2009 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that egg producers would have to begin following new tougher food safety measures. The new rules were aimed at the production, storage and transportation of eggs to prevent the spread of Salmonella.

With over 600 million eggs recalled in the latest Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs and a year-long stall of pending food legislation in the U.S. Senate, many consumer groups are up in arms. Adding to the concerns just yesterday the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a New York company was recalling 380,000 pounds of deli meat due to concerns about Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

Food manufacturers, processors and distributors are supposed to adhere to Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans. According to the FDA, “HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.”

HACCP programs are meant to identify potential food safety hazards at all stages of food production and preparation. In a HACCP program Critical Control Points (CCPs) are identified to reduce or eliminate food safety risks, these often involve microbiological testing procedures.

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest food pathogen testing laboratories, has extensive expertise in testing for food pathogens and assisting with company HACCP testing programs. “The latest news on additional egg recalls and now a huge deli meat recall shows the need for more testing before products are available for human consumption,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President at EMSL. “EMSL Analytical has a network of laboratories across the country that can help prevent these pathogens from making it to market and causing people to get sick.”

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of food, environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.